Norton Way Corporate Magazine - December 2019 by Norton Way

DECEMBER 2019 ISSUE 63

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 63 • DECEMBER 2019

GWR KIA

New Kia Futuron concept – a vision for an electric SUV

Inspired by UFO’s, a preview into the future of Kia’s EV SUVs, said to offer ‘lightning fast’ acceleration.

This new concept, comparable in length to the Audi E-tron and Jaguar i-Pace and in height to the Skoda Kamiq and Hyundai Nexo, the Futuron’s design is notable ‘for its pure, smooth form, devoid of ornament.’ Perhaps the most notable feature is what seems to be the latest incarnation of Kia’s trademark ‘Tiger nose’ grille, a feature that’s been adopted across the line up for the last 10 years. This feature has been enhanced to create a ‘Tiger face’, showcasing the new ‘Star Cloud’ lighting design which uses moveable scales to alternative

between daytime running lights and full-beam headlights. Full info on the powertrain hasn’t been released, but we do know that the car is fitted with a high power, high capacity battery pack, mounted under the floor, to maxims interior space. The batteries feed four independent electric motors, one at each wheel and are said to deliver “lightning-fast responses to driver inputs” The interior is just as futuristic as you’d expect, featuring a very minimalist layout and advanced autonomy functions to enhance the driving experience. Inside, the front seats fully recline, allowing the driver to relax whilst the Futuron is in its fully autonomous mode, a feature that Kia says will help to reduce fatigue on longer journeys. The diamond-shaped panoramic glasshouse is said to be inspired by UFO and flying saucer designs, allowing for a 360-degree field of view whilst maximising natural light. It also features a network of LiDAR sensors that enable Level 4 selfdriving functions. While the Futuron is far from being a production-ready EV SUV, it does provide food for thought as to how Kia plan to tackle the future of electric motoring in a rapidly evolving industry. No doubt some of its ground-breaking features will be available on production-ready models in the near future.

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 63 • DECEMBER 2019

NISSAN

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 63 • DECEMBER 2019

A glimpse at Nissan's future EV SUV The Ariya Conept

n October of 2019 at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan unveiled the Ariya Concept, an AWD electric crossover with award-winning driver assistance technology and striking visuals, this sleek electric SUV represents the dawning of an entirely new design direction for Nissan. "The Ariya Concept is not a concept car designed from far off ideas, but rather a car that embodies Nissan Intelligent Mobility at its core and highlights a promise of an entirely new driving experience on the horizon.” The words of Yasuhiro Yamauchi of Nissan Motor co. The Nissan Ariya is a concept all-electric SUV designed around a single horizon line, with sleek wide front fenders, super-thin LED headlights, as well as a front 'shield' (replacing a traditional grille) emblazoned with an illuminated Nissan emblem. This departure from traditional SUV body design encapsulates Nissan's Intelligent Mobility ideals, and its vision for the future of personal driving: reducing harmful emissions and accidents through electrification and adaptive vehicle intelligence.

Combining advanced Nissan electric-vehicle technology with a level of seamless human-machine interface connectivity, the Nissan Ariya Concept promises an entirely new driving experience. Featuring the latest version of Nissan's awardwinning driver assistance system - ProPILOT 2.0, the concept EV SUV combines navigated highway driving with hands-off single-lane driving capabilities. Built with a high-performance, 100% electric drive system, the Ariya also delivers balanced, predictable power to all four wheels, equal to or better than many premium sports cars. In keeping with the Japanese notion of beauty in subtlety, the Ariya Concept interior visuals reflect a timeless, modest sensibility. A traditional 'Kumiko' pattern adorns the door trims and footwells, while copper accents provide warm illumination and a futuristic quality. Intuitive technology - including a Virtual Personal Assistant and Smart Route Planner - allows the concept EV crossover to fit seamlessly into the driver’s daily life, on-board and off-board, providing the freedom and enjoyment of mobility anytime and anywhere.

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The Ariya Concept is not a concept car designed from far off ideas, but rather a car that embodies Nissan Intelligent Mobility at its core and highlights a promise of an entirely new driving experience on the horizon. Yasuhiro Yamauchi Nissan Motor Co.

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 63 • DECEMBER 2019

MAZDA

MAZDA CX-30 ACHIEVES FIVE-STAR EURO NCAP RATING

installation checks and for child protection in the lateral impact test. Vulnerable Road User (pedestrian safety) tests achieved a score of 80%, with maximum points for pedestrian leg and pelvis area protection. A score of 77% in the Safety Assist category recognizes the efficiency of the new Mazda CX-30’s comprehensive suite of i-Activsense safety features. The outstanding driving dynamics achieved as a consequence of Mazda’s Skyactiv Technology also contribute to the new Mazda CX-30’s five-star Euro NCAP achievement, delivering a linear, responsive and predictable acceleration, braking, handling, and steering. By making the car easier to drive safely, the technologies reduce the potential for accidents without compromising Mazda’s traditional fun-to-drive character. Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary-General of Euro NCAP, said: “Congratulations to Mazda for another almost-perfect score in adult occupant safety. There are still several cars to be rated in 2019 but it is unlikely we will see better for this part of the assessment […].” Another fantastic outcome for Mazda, not only are they consistently improving the driving dynamics of their vehicles they are ensuring safety is key, filling their cars with the latest safety features and build quality to ensure maximum for drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

he Mazda CX-30 has been awarded the maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP in its latest series of tests. Following the success of the Mazda6 and the All-New Mazda3, the CX-30 is the third from Mazda to obtain an overall five-star rating under the new, more stringent 2018 Euro NCAP crashworthiness ratings. Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road User (pedestrian safety) and Safety Assist were the four most impressive result categories for the CX-30. The Rating is a result of three key factors: the adoption of the very latest SkyactivVehicle Architecture, which features a high-rigidity, impact-absorbing yet lightweight bodyshell; a wide range of advanced i-Activsense safety technologies which help drivers identify potential risks and reduce the likelihood of damage or injury; and high standards of pedestrian protection performance. The car came out with an impressive 99% score in the Adult Occupant category, the Mazda CX-30 achieved maximum points for frontal full-width impact, as well as for bothv barrier and pole side impacts. Mazda’s Smart Brake Support system also gained full marks in low-speed tests, with collisions avoided in all scenarios. An excellent Child Occupant score of 86% included full marks in Child Restraint System

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 63 • DECEMBER 2019

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 63 • DECEMBER 2019

PEUGEOT

Hybrid Range

eugeot have opened their reservation books for their four new plug-in hybrid models; the 3008 SUV HYBRID, 3008 SUV GT HYBRID4, all-new 508 HYBRID and 508 SW HYBRID, with customers able to place their reservations online with a £500 deposit. The 3008 SUV HYBRID, 3008 SUV GT HYBRID4, all-new 508 HYBRID and 508 SW HYBRID join PEUGEOT’s growing range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, with customer deliveries starting January 2020 for all four models. The all-new 508 HYBRID and 508 SW HYBRID will offer drivers combined fuel efficiency of up to a staggering 235mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 31g/km under the latest WLTP tests, with both the saloon and SW capable of up to 39 miles of serene, fully-electric driving. The new four-wheel drive 3008 SUV GT HYBRID4 comes with a 220kW (300hp) plug-in drivetrain that’s capable of 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds, and will achieve ultra-low emissions of 28g/km and up to 40 miles of fully-electric range under WLTP tests. The 3008 GT HYBRID4 is powered by a combination of a 147kW (200hp) 1.6-L PureTech petrol engine and two electric motors for a total power output of 220kW (300hp). The 3008 HYBRID, all-new 508 HYBRID and 508 SW HYBRID feature a 132kW (180hp) 1.6-L PureTech petrol engine that works alongside a single 80kW (110hp) electric motor on the front axle, for a

combined power figure of 165kW (225hp). All four models can be fully charged in under two hours using a standard 7kW Wallbox. The 3008 SUV GT HYBRID4 features a 13.2kWh traction battery, while the 508 HYBRID and 508 SW HYBRID come with an 11.8kWh battery. The all-new plug-in hybrids attract a Benefit In Kind (BIK) rate for company car drivers of only 10% from April 2020 (based on sub 50g/km CO2 and 30-39 electric miles WLTP banding). Plug-in hybrids offer a whole host of benefits, including various incentives such as free charging, free parking and exemption from London Congestion Charges. Customer can also apply for a Government Grant which offers a 75% contribution (up to £500) towards home chargepoints. PEUGEOT will be launching a full suite of services to assist customers in the transition to electrified motoring, including e-Remote Control – a feature within the MyPeugeot app that enables users to remotely control functions such as programming a charging session (when plugged in). David Peel, Managing Director of PEUGEOT UK, said: “2020 will be a significant year for PEUGEOT, as we officially start our UK deliveries of our new generation of fully electric vehicles, alongside all-new plug-in hybrid variants. The 3008 SUV HYBRID, 3008 SUV GT HYBRID4, 508 HYBRID and 508 SW HYBRID are significant vehicles for PEUGEOT and confirm our promise of having an electrified variant across our entire model line-up by 2023.” The all-new 3008 SUV GT HYBRID4 is available exclusively in GT trim and features Nappa Mistral full grain leather interior trim, and utilises the newest safety technologies, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and Lane Positioning Assist. The 3008 HYBRID, all-new 508 HYBRID and 508 SW HYBRID are offered in Allure, GT Line and GT trim. 8

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 63 • DECEMBER 2019

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 63 • DECEMBER 2019

SKODA

koda are offering the new Octavia plug-in hybrid (PHEV) for the very first time, including mild hybrid, diesel and petrol versions. After the latest Skoda Superb, the new Octavia offers fleet a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option. It features a 1.4 TSI petrol engine delivering 115kW (156PS) and a 75-kW electric motor. Combined they produce a total output of 150kW (204PS) and have a maximum torque of 350 Nm. It uses a 37Ah, 13kWh lithium-ion battery, promising an electric range of up to 55km in the WLTP cycle. For the first time in the Skoda line-up, the Octavia is available in two ‘eTEC’ variants with mild hybrid technology. Using a seven-speed DSG (the PHEV model uses a six-speed DSG), the three-cylinder 1.0 TSI produces 81kW (110PS) and the four-cylinder 1.5 TSI produces 110kW (150PS). Both use of a 48-volt belt-driven starter motor and a 48-volt lithiumion battery. This allows eTec models to take advantage of energy recovery through regenerative braking and to ‘coast’ with the engine completely switched off. Stop/start technology, reduces fuel consumption “and CO2 emissions even further” says Skoda – but they have not published any CO2 emissions figures for the new Octavia.

Efficient diesel

Safety

The manufacturer says its latest generation EVO diesel engines emit up to 80% less nitrogen oxide than its predecessor. The process which allows this to happen by a new ‘twin dosing’ exhaust gas treatment. AdBlue is injected in front of the two catalytic converters that are arranged one after the other. The 2.0 TDI models are available with a six-speed manual, or sevenspeed DSG gearbox, with outputs of 116PS (85kW), 110PS (150kW) and 147PS (200kW); the latter being for the 4x4 version. Petrol variants are offered as a 1.0 TSI EVO with a six-speed manual gearbox and 110PS (81kW) power output, a 1.5 TSI EVO with the same gearbox and 150PS (110kW) on tap; and a 2.0 TSI, which comes with a seven-speed DSG gearbox and 190PS (140kW).

The new model features a generou range of safety features: using a combination of passive and active components. Additional safety systems inclu Collision Avoidance Assist, Turn Assist, Exit Warning and the local Traffic Warning function are also making their debut at Škoda. Othe new features for the OCTAVIA inclu Area View, Side Assist and Predict Cruise Control, which – together w the updated version of Traffic Sign Recognition and the further improv Lane Assist, as well as Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist – form the Travel Assist system. Using Hands-on Detect, this system also checks whether the driver is touch the steering wheel consistently. Up nine airbags, including a driver kne airbag and rear side airbags, prote occupants in the event of a collisio

New DSG offer

Head-up display

The tried and tested DSG gearbox is fitted in the Octavia and breaks new ground for Skoda, as it is the first to use shift-by-wire technology. As suggested, this electronically transmits the driver’s gear selection to the transmission. Replacing the familiar DSG level, there is a new control module located in the centre console with a small rocker switch which is used for selecting driving modes, as well as the parking mode.

Another debut for Skoda is an optional head-up display. It project information such as speed, navigation, detected traffic signs and activated driver assistance systems directly onto the – optiona heated–windscreen. The 4.2-inch, multifunction Maxi DOT 16-colour display comes as standard, while Tri-zone Climatronic makes its deb in the Octavia. Keyless vehicle entry system

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 63 • DECEMBER 2019

THE NEW SKODA OCTAVIA PLUG-IN HYBRID

(KESSY) is another option, as are noise-reducing acoustic side windows at the front. One key feature which may of most interest to fleet drivers who do considerably high mileage is the ‘particularly back friendly’ Ergo seats. These offer an electric massage function and optional ventilation.

Infotainment system Additionally, the new Octavia offers a choice of four infotainment systems from the latest generation with screens measuring from 8.25 to 10 inches. A selection of them can be operated using gesture control or by voice via the Laura Skoda Digital Assistant. The top-of-the-range Columbus infotainment system can display the navigation system’s maps in a different level of zoom than the 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit (which, by the way, has also been further improved, making it even more userfriendly). This new function can be adjusted via a touch slider located below the display, which can also be used to control the volume. The new Skoda Octavia goes on sale in the middle of next year, with a starting price of around £19,000, rising to around £30,000.

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NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 63 • DECEMBER 2019

HONDA

UPDATED HONDA CIVIC GETS STYLING AND INTERIOR TWEAKS

he Japanese brand says it enhanced the car’s “premium feel” yet retained its dynamic performance. The mildly refreshed Honda Civic, arriving early next year, has a restyled front end, an upgraded interior and new colour options. The revised Civic features a new symmetrical lower front grille around the fog lights, with smoothed surfaces and sleek styling blades. A simpler grille beam configuration and new airintake design give the front profile a cleaner, more aerodynamic design. There's an additional lower grille section around the foglights, while the main grille has been simplified in a move designed to give the front profile “a cleaner, more aerodynamic design”. Full LED headlights are also available for the first time, accompanied by a minor redesign of the daytime running lights and honeycomb inserts, the latter of which are the result of customer feedback. The exterior changes are capped off by a new Obsidian Blue paint in addition to existing colours. The facelifted Civic can be specified with a new design of 16in alloy wheels for the entry-level model. The mid and top-range versions can be

optioned with sporty 17in wheels, available in a 'Shark Grey' coat. Inside, there's a new, textured panel over the glovebox on the passenger side. An electric eight-way adjustable driver's seat has been added to the range-topping model. All models benefit from a revamped infotainment system, now with buttons and dials in response to customer demand. The connected infotainment system incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, plus Honda has enhanced usability by adding physical buttons and dials for the infotainment and climate controls, in response to customer demand. The Civic retains its range of petrol and diesel engines. The 1.0-litre VTEC Turbo unit, with 126PS achieves CO2 emissions from 107g/km, while the 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo produces 182PS and emissions from 128g/km. The three engine options, a 1.0-litre petrol, 1.5-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel, are unchanged. Prices begin from £18,845 and customers will be able to test drive the 2020 Civic in dealerships from January 2020.

NORTON WAY CORPORATE • ISSUE 63 • DECEMBER 2019

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